Naruto: Flash Reborn — Minato’s Second Life

"Although both of you already possess the qualifications to become Genin, due to the urgency of the mission, your Genin status will only be temporary for now."

Sakumo had a pretty good idea of what Minato and Yan Uchiha were thinking right then. Objectively speaking, both of them were already far beyond the level of any ordinary Genin.

Minato's leadership in the Forest of Death, for example, was already enough to qualify him as a Chunin.

Yan Uchiha, although also at the Chunin level, needed more than just strong combat ability to become a Chunin.

"It doesn't matter."

Yan Uchiha wore a relaxed expression. For him, becoming a Chunin or even a Jonin was simply a matter of time—not because he was arrogant, but because it was simply the truth.

Even Fugaku, currently regarded as the number one prodigy within the Uchiha clan, had not been any better at Yan Uchiha's current age.

Now, Fugaku had officially joined the Uchiha Security Force, and even among the elite ranks of that powerful unit, his strength was quite formidable.

As for Minato, Sakumo had actually underestimated him slightly—he showed no intention whatsoever of graduating and becoming an official Genin.

This was because he had once promised Kushina they would always stay together.

He wouldn't become an official Ninja until The Third recognized him—and even then, only if she did too. That way, they could go on missions together as partners.

"What about school then?"

Minato asked. From Sakumo's tone, they were only temporarily acting as Genin for the Land of Hot Springs mission. Chances were that after completing the mission, their identities would revert back to students.

Although the Land of Hot Springs was merely a small country neighboring the Land of Fire, the mission they were undertaking this time involved infiltration and assassination, meaning the operation period probably wouldn't be short.

It wouldn't look right for two students to just vanish without explanation.

"Well now," Junko Watanabe smiled sweetly. "You do think ahead quite nicely."

Initially, she had favored Yan Uchiha—frankly speaking, partly because of the prestigious Uchiha name he carried, symbolizing immense power.

Compared to someone like Yan Uchiha, Junko had looked down slightly upon children like Minato who came from ordinary backgrounds. However, this initial impression had completely reversed within just a short span of time.

The boy's calmness and perseverance far exceeded what his apparent age suggested.

"Don't worry about that," Sakumo chuckled. "Actually, right after lunch break, the Ninja Academy will be going on vacation."

"Vacation?" Minato and Yan Uchiha exclaimed simultaneously in surprise.

Sakumo nodded and said, "After all, the Chakra Aptitude Test has just concluded, and I believe all the students have grown from this test. Therefore, they need some time to absorb and digest what they've learned."

They both nodded. Yan remained indifferent—as far as he was concerned, the Ninja Academy curriculum was practically optional anyway.

However, Minato felt suspicious—the events since the Chakra Aptitude Test had left many things he couldn't quite understand.

Wouldn't it be overkill for them to go this far just to hide their movements?

"The report says that Tachiyama Shinsaburo and the ninjas from Kumogakure are expected to enter the Land of Hot Springs in about three days," continued Sakumo. "So once the teachers at the Ninja Academy announce the break, you must prepare immediately. You need to get ready right away. We leave for the Land of Hot Springs by 5 PM at the latest!"

Uchiha Yan and Minato's eyes darkened slightly. Though they weren't officially ninjas yet, both understood the basic principles of covert assassination and infiltration.

Since the assassination target was confirmed to arrive in the Land of Hot Springs within three days, they, as assassins, needed to reach there ahead of schedule. It would be foolish to fight unprepared.

Although the Land of Hot Springs bordered the Land of Fire, traveling from Konoha to its border still required considerable time.

It looked like the next two days would be nothing but relentless travel.

"Judging by your expressions, you seem to understand what lies ahead now," Sakumo said. "Alright then, go back and enjoy your last peaceful lunch. Junko Watanabe and I will find each of you when it's time. I hope you're ready."

After Sakumo finished speaking, Junko Watanabe, who had been leaning against the wall in the corner, slipped silently out the window like a shadow, vanishing with astonishing speed.

Sakumo turned to leave but paused briefly, glancing over his shoulder.

"Oh, and don't let anyone see your forehead protectors. You understand why."

With those words, he too vanished from the room, just as Junko had done before.

After they disappeared, the two boys stood slightly dazed—this sudden turn of events felt overwhelming.

Yet they quickly snapped back to reality. Looking toward Uchiha Yan beside him, Minato hesitated briefly, then extended his fist forward.

"Starting now, we're comrades," Minato said with a smile. "Let's work together to complete this mission." His grin felt warm, like the morning sun.

Though Yan couldn't bring himself to dislike Minato, changing their relationship overnight wasn't realistic.

Without acknowledging Minato's gesture, he turned away, opened the door, and walked out.

"Hmph..." 

Standing alone in the empty room, Minato gave a soft, awkward laugh, slowly retracting his fist before leaving as well.

...

Minato returned to the classroom where Kushina and Mikoto were still waiting for him in their usual spot, ready for lunch. He smiled warmly and approached them.

They didn't ask why Moto Kouda had called him out—it wasn't anything new. After all, he was the top student in class, always receiving praise from instructors.

"Ah, time for class already."

As the period drew near, Kushina groaned while rubbing her fiery red hair. According to the schedule, the entire afternoon would be filled with theory lessons—the subject she struggled with most.

It was like hell for her.

Moto Kouda entered the classroom, carrying no teaching materials whatsoever.

As Kushina's face started to show frustration, Kouda glanced around the classroom and announced:

"Class, this afternoon's lessons are canceled. You're free to go."

Everyone was caught off guard by the sudden announcement of a holiday. The classroom fell completely silent, except for Minato, whose expression remained mostly unchanged since he already knew about it.

But this silence didn't last long—it broke within just a few seconds under a wave of cheers.

"That's awesome!"

After all, they were still kids at heart. A break held irresistible appeal for them, and many students showed clear excitement.

Kouda also appeared slightly helpless before continuing, "This holiday isn't meant for you to fool around, though. The Chakra Aptitude Test has just ended. I'm sure each of you must've gained some personal insights and grown from the experience of becoming a ninja. This time off is for self-improvement."

Back then, doing this would've been like herding cats—no one cared about the real purpose of the break. But after Kouda's words, the excited voices in the classroom gradually died down.

Minato observed the expressions of those around him. Most seemed affected by something, looking somewhat unnatural.

Most of them had probably been eliminated right at the beginning of the test. And their current expressions clearly reflected their unwillingness to accept the humiliation of being cut.

But what could they do? They could only blame themselves...for being too weak!

When everyone had stopped cheering about the holiday, someone who normally wouldn't be happy over such things stood up from his seat and asked:

"Teacher Kouda, exactly how many days is this holiday?"

Turning toward the voice, Minato was somewhat surprised to see it came from Mikoto...

...

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